Wisdom Tooth Removal Perth CBD | My Wisdom Tooth Dentist

Understanding Your Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth — also called third molars — are the last teeth to develop, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.

When wisdom teeth grow in correctly and there is enough space in the jaw, they can function like any other molar. However, in many cases there isn't enough room for them to erupt fully, leading to what's known as impaction.

According to the Australian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, over 90% of Australians have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Early assessment — ideally in the late teens or early twenties — can help prevent more complex issues later.

Panoramic dental X-ray (OPG) showing all four wisdom teeth including impacted third molars in the jaw

Panoramic X-Ray (OPG) — Wisdom Teeth Visible

Common Reasons for Removal

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and recommend extraction only when clinically appropriate.

Illustration of pericoronitis — inflamed gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth

Infection & Pericoronitis

A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates an opening for bacteria to enter, causing localised infection (pericoronitis) — often accompanied by pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.

Illustration of an impacted wisdom tooth pressing against neighbouring teeth causing pain and pressure

Pain & Pressure

Impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighbouring teeth, causing chronic jaw pain, headaches, and referred pain into the ear or neck.

Illustration of a dentigerous cyst forming around an impacted wisdom tooth inside the jawbone

Cyst Formation

An impacted wisdom tooth can develop a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around it that, over time, may damage surrounding bone, teeth, and nerves.

Illustration of wisdom tooth eruption pushing neighbouring teeth out of alignment

Crowding & Shifting

Erupting wisdom teeth can push neighbouring teeth out of alignment, undoing previous orthodontic treatment and affecting your bite.

Tooth Decay

Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth. Food and plaque can accumulate, leading to cavities in both the wisdom tooth and the adjacent molar.

Illustration showing preventative wisdom tooth removal when roots are short and healing is faster

Preventative Removal

Some patients choose removal before problems arise — particularly in the late teens or early twenties when healing is typically faster and the tooth roots are not yet fully formed.

Clinical Assessment

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

The type of impaction influences the complexity of extraction and the sedation approach your dentist recommends.

Vertical

The tooth grows in a normal upright position. Often the least complex extraction — may require only local anaesthetic.

Mesial (Angled Forward)

The tooth tilts toward the front of the mouth, pressing on the adjacent molar. A very common impaction type.

Distal (Angled Back)

The tooth angles toward the back of the mouth. Less common, and extraction complexity varies.

Horizontal

The tooth grows sideways, directly into the adjacent molar. Often the most complex — IV sedation is frequently recommended.

Your dentist will assess your specific impaction type using X-rays at your consultation.

What to Expect

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

Every step is designed to keep you informed, comfortable, and confident throughout.

Consultation & X-Rays

Your dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays to assess the position, angle, and root development of your wisdom teeth. They discuss your clinical situation and all available options — including sedation.
Pre-Procedure Preparation

If sedation is chosen, you will receive specific pre-operative instructions, including fasting requirements. You will also need to arrange for someone to collect you after the procedure.
Anaesthetic / Sedation

Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area. If twilight or IV sedation was selected, this is administered at this stage so you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout.
Extraction

Your dentist carefully removes the wisdom tooth or teeth. Depending on complexity, a small incision in the gum or sectioning of the tooth may be required. You should feel pressure but not pain.
Recovery & Aftercare

You will rest in the clinic until it is safe for you to leave. We provide comprehensive written aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to check your healing progress.

After Your Procedure

What to Expect During Recovery

Most patients recover comfortably within a few days to a week, though individual healing times vary.

First 24 Hours

Some bleeding is normal — bite down gently on gauze as directed
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling
Eat soft foods — yoghurt, soup, smoothies — avoid hard or crunchy foods
Do not rinse vigorously, spit, or use a straw — this can dislodge the blood clot
If sedation was used, rest at home and do not drive or operate machinery

Days 2–7

Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours, then gradually subsides
Gently rinse with warm salt water (from day 2) to keep the area clean
Continue soft foods; gradually return to a normal diet as comfort allows
Take prescribed or recommended pain relief as directed
!Contact us if you experience worsening pain after day 3, which may indicate dry socket

When to Call Us

Contact our clinic promptly if you experience: excessive or prolonged bleeding; severe pain that is worsening rather than improving after the first few days; fever; significant swelling or discharge. Call 08 9020 7035 during business hours.

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Perth CBD